Episode 102: Connie Stevens

When Fozzie overhears Hilda, Kermit, and Scooter talking about getting rid of "that bear," he thinks they're talking about him, only to find out later it's actually Gonzo's teddy bear that everyone is badmouthing.

Episode

Off waiting in the wings is Miss Piggy, so Kermit introduces her to Lydia. Miss Piggy then introduces Kermit to her fist.

Gonzo has brought in his teddy bear just so Hilda will repair it for him. She believes that he is too old for the bear, but Gonzo questions this ("You think I'm emotionally mature enough to move up to a Raggedy Ann?") Hilda then claims that the bear is the worst thing she has seen in the theater, and suggests Gonzo get rid of him. This is the part of the conversation that Fozzie happens to overhear, and believes that they're talking about him.

The Swedish Chef prepares Swedish meatballs. However, they turn out to be a bit springy, and so decides to just play tennis with them in a match against Statler. "15 love!" Waldorf calls.

Wayne and Wanda discover that the stage is empty, and take this as their opportunity to go on and perform. Wanda questions the desertion of the stage, assuming the Connie Stevens spot is next. Wayne says they'll cut the Connie Stevens spot. "Who cares about the Connie Stevens spot?" he asks. This is, of course, just when Connie Stevens enters. When Wayne realizes this, he quickly changes his tone. Both exit, embarrassed.

Kermit meets with Connie to discuss her first number. She tells him about her first love, and how she would like to dedicate the song to him. Kermit then agrees to give her a fitting, '50s-style introduction.

Gonzo asks Kermit about the teddy bear, and again Fozzie shows up just in time to overhear Kermit refer to the bear as "the worst." And, although Gonzo defends the bear, he still calls him "moldy-looking."

Fozzie packs his things, now knowing what people think of him on the show. But then he hears Scooter say (of the teddy bear), "He's funny! Everytime I look at him, it makes me want to laugh and laugh. I think he's just great." But then he adds that a new one would be nice too. And so, "the bear can barely bear it."

Nigel asks Zoot to play a "great, little number." Zoot begs forgiveness for the piece, and proceeds to play "Sax and Violence." Soon, he is joined by a disruptive Mahna Mahna, who plays percussion on the song. He is only stopped when Zoot blows Mahna Mahna up.

Gonzo grows a tomato plant whilst playing the 1812 Overture on the violin. The act does not last long.

A heartbroken Fozzie comes backstage to say goodbye to Kermit before he heads home. But Gonzo enters to defend "the bear," claiming, "If the bear goes, I go!" But this confusion has gone far enough, and as Fozzie is embracing Gonzo, Kermit explains that the bear everyone has been talking about is Gonzo's teddy bear. Fozzie is so happy, that he has to ask for a raise. The aggravated frog does not allow the raise, but does let both bears stay.

Ernie and Bert arrive on the show, but Bert feels out of place on a big-time variety show. He's afraid they'll expect him to do an act on the show. Ernie believes that Bert can do an act. All he needs is the right clothes. Ernie takes Bert offstage, and returns only when Bert is decked out in the most elegant attire. It changes Bert completely, and he immediately starts to sing "Some Enchanted Evening." Soon, Bert is dancing with and serenading Connie Stevens. At the end of the song, Bert is certain he's just made a complete fool of himself, a fact which Ernie confirms.

At the closing, Connie is presented with a Muppet-likeness of herself, and is then dragged off by Gonzo's tomato plant.

Notes

While the on-screen "tradition" of presenting the guest star with a Muppet likeness of themselves ended in this, only the second, episode of The Muppet Show, several caricatures were given as gifts privately behind the scenes while certain others appeared within the episodes themselves (see episodes 108 and 518).

Jerry Nelson is not credited for his appearance as Floyd in this episode. This omission may be due to the fact that he was not on set for the filming of the first three episodes. His performance in the UK Spot was filmed later in the season and then inserted into the episode.

The closing at the end of episodes 101 and 102 feature only Kermit, the guest star, and the guest star's Muppet likeness. Other Muppet characters would join the guest star during the closing starting in episode 103.

Pilot Version

Episodes 101 and 102 of The Muppet Show were both shot as pilots several months before regular production began. After the show began regular production, these episodes were re-worked, with some new skits taped and others dropped. All material featuring Connie Stevens, however, was shot during the original production window. In many markets, these were among the last episodes to air as part of Season One.

In addition to the UK Spot, "Ain't Misbehavin'," several other scenes and shots were most likely taped after the pilot was filmed and later edited into the broadcast version of the episode. These include the opening number & Miss Piggy's reaction to it, the backstage plot, and this episode's Muppet News Flash.

The deeper voice that Frank Oz initially used for Fozzie can be heard in this episode's Talk Spot, when he sings with Connie and Kermit.